Open Gardens along the Tamar Valley Line – get there by train

St Luke’s Open Gardens season is back for 2025! Hop on the scenic Tamar Valley Line on Sunday 18th May and Sunday 1st June, and feel inspired as you explore a host of beautiful gardens in the picturesque villages of Calstock and Bere Ferrers – both a short and scenic train ride from Plymouth.

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What is Open Gardens?

Open Gardens is an enjoyable and inspiring way to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice. Simply turn up and explore a hand-selected variety of impressive local gardens, offering a unique insight into planning and planting arrangements.

It’s just £6 entry to the gardens with free entry for children and you don’t need to book in advance. Contactless payment is accepted (where signal allows) or you can pay by cash. Refreshments and plant sales will be at many of this year’s locations.

Calstock – Sunday 18th May

Hop on the train from Plymouth and in just 30 minutes you’ll arrive into Calstock. Take a short stroll down to the quay and you’ll see the St Luke’s stand where you can pick up your booklet and plan your route. Please note, the event is running from 11am – 4pm and it’s recommended that you arrive in good time if you’d like to get through all the gardens on the day. The route to see all the gardens is around 2 miles with some moderately challenging slopes (including to and from the station).

Bere Ferrers – Sunday 1st June

Catch the train from Plymouth and in just 20 minutes you’ll arrive into the pretty village of Bere Ferrers where a diverse selection of gardens awaits! It’s a short walk to Church Hall where you can collect you map and enjoy light refreshments and local produce. The event is running from 11am – 4pm and you should aim to arrive in good time if you’d like to explore all of the gardens.

Get there by train

Catch the 11:10 train from Plymouth station and arrive into Bere Ferrers at 11:27 or into Calstock at 11:43.

Trains from Bere Ferrers depart back to Plymouth at 14:36, 16:36, 19:00 and finally 21:17.

£6.80 Plymouth to Calstock – Adult Off-Peak Day Return

Trains from Calstock depart back to Plymouth at 14:22, 16:22, 18:46 and 21:03.

£8.30 Plymouth to Calstock – Adult Off-Peak Day Return

5-15 year olds are half-price. Under 5s are free.

Top tip – get a Devon & Cornwall Railcard (just £12 a year and now available online) to save a third on the above fare for you and a friend. You can also bring up to four children for just £1 each.

More to explore

As well as Open Gardens, there’s even more to explore in Calstock! The village has some great food and drink options such as Lishe Coffee Shop, Valenti’s ice cream parlour, The Pasty Cellar and The Tamar Inn. Or take a look at some local art and more at Salmagundi (pictured above) and Limekiln Gallery. You can also set off on a 1.2-mile walk alongside the river and up through the woods to Cotehele National Trust.

In Bere Ferrers, pop into the Olde Plough Inn for a drink or some food or head out on a scenic 3-mile circular woodland a riverside walk.

Please check opening times for all of the above before you go.